Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft has suffered a season ending knee injury against the Carolina Panthers ending his breakout 2025 NFL campaign.
The star pass catcher tore the ACL in his right knee, confirming what the team feared after initial on field testing Sunday. Additional imaging on Monday revealed the tear, ending what was shaping up to be one of the best seasons by a tight end in Packers franchise history.
“He’s doing as good as you could ever be doing, considering the circumstances,” head coach Matt LaFleur said. “Tuck’s a guy that, he’s not going to flinch. That’s why we love him. He’s a hell of a player, hell of a teammate, hell of a guy. I’m bummed for him. I’m bummed for us. It’s part of it. It’s got to be that next-man-up mentality. Unfortunate for him, but now other guys are going to get an opportunity.”
Kraft was in visible pain after Packers’ guard Sean Rhyan was blocked into him on a run play, as his leg got caught up in the bodies hitting the ground. Adding insult to injury, the Packers also lost WR Matthew Golden (shoulder), LG Aaron Banks (stinger), and DT Colby Wooden (shoulder) due to injuries in their 16-13 loss as well. None of the other three players are expected to be out long term however.
In his absence, TE Luke Musgrave is expected to take on a larger role in the team’s offence. When asked if Musgrave was ready to take on added responsibilities, LaFleur responded “Yeah, absolutely, and he’s going to have to be… Both him and [John Fitzpatrick]. It’s unfortunate because, more than anything, I know how much Tuck puts into this and he’s a big part of our team, a great leader, and it’s hard to replace that. But that happens with teams across the league.”
Green Bay will have an extended prep week following their loss as the defending Super Bowl Champions roll into town next Monday night. The Eagles are coming off a bye week themselves, and are expecting to get back a few players who had been sidelined by injuries themselves.
Most notably pass rusher Nolan Smith, and WR A.J. Brown are expected to be back in the lineup when the two teams clash at Lambeau Field.
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